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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

My Online Interview...

Hey Bellas,

I got interviewed for my first online article. Check it out here. I've also pasted it below. Woo hoo!

Ren: Filipino American Make-Up Artist from Atlanta, GAAn Interview

I had the perfect opportunity to talk to Ren. She is a Filipino-American make-up artist from Atlanta, Georgia. We had the opportunity to talk about make-up, life, and lipgloss. Anyways, here is what she had to tell me.

Sarah: Kamusta ka na! Tell me a little about yourself...

Ren: I'm a 24 year old Filipino-American working in Atlanta, Georgia. I spent most of my life in Orlando, Florida before moving to Atlanta for college and have been here ever since. My interests include exploring different cultures whether through food or dance, and of course I love make-up!

Sarah: I just have to know, did you wake up one morning and decide "I am going to be a make-up artist". What made you become a make-up artist?

Ren: I've always had a passion for makeup and beauty in general. Ever since my middle school days I was an avid reader of beauty magazines. This developed into a fascination with trying out different brands of makeup on me and friends. I was my friends' go-to person for makeovers. I just loved how makeup could completely transform a person and bring such joy and excitement with a new look. Meanwhile, I continued to work in corporate America using the business degree I obtained in my undergrad years. I decided to finally turn my passion into a reality. After some preparation and encouragement from friends and family, I finally decided to pursue makeup professionally.

Sarah: Behind every great artist (in this case, make-up artist) lies a major source of inspiration, as a result. Tell me, who or what inspired you to become a make-up artist?

Ren: I've been inspired by many artists...I've taken bits and pieces from each and every one of them...these include Kevyn Aucoin, Molly Roncal...and several you tube Makeup Gurus---Pursebuzz, Enkoremakeup, Amy from AskMeMakeup, Stephie....the list goes on.

Sarah: I believe beauty is an emotion that goes beyond what we see. Something that is a huge part of our state of well being and chemical makeup. Tell me, how do you define beauty?

Ren: On my website I quote the age-old saying, "Beauty is only Skin Deep." I truly believe that. Makeup can only do so much for a person...it's a person's inner beauty---their kindness, charisma, and personality that really makes one beautiful. I make sure to surround myself with people who exude these characteristics. Makeup can always be removed...but a kind heart is a permanent source of beauty. Sarah: Now, moving onto make-up. Tell me a little more about some of the individual products, as well as, brands that you use on a daily basis...Ren: Like many, one of my favorite companies is M.A.C cosmetics. They have such an innovative line of bright colors and a product for nearly every need. It was difficult for me to find makeup growing up that works on minority skin, and this brand has never failed. I use their Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in medium dark nearly everyday as my go-to foundation. M.A..C has such a young, exuberant energy to the line. I also love Makeup Forever, Smashbox (Photofinish primer), Nars, and Urban Decay (deluxe eyeshadows). However, I can't forget my drug-store brands...I use many of these on an everyday basis. These included Revlon (I swear by Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black), Almay, Maybelline, Rimmel, NYC....it's important to try out different brands, both high-end and low end.

Sarah: Which products do you tend to use the most often? Which products are the most popular?

Ren: I would say I use M.A.C most often because their color pigmentation is among the best.. My clients also love M.A.C., especially their lipglosses and eyeshadows. I always make sure to finish off my clients' makeup with M.A.C's Fix plus spray...it's the key to making makeup look natural and to capture the dewy effect that everyone wants.

Sarah: Tell me a little more about the individual make-up looks that you do on a daily basis...

Ren: On myself, I tend to wear nude looks on an everyday basis. If I can do it in 10 minutes or less it's a plus. I love to use M.A.C's N collection to create this look. Combine it with some blush and chapstick and I'm good to go.

Sarah: Which looks do you tend to do the most often? What are the most popular?

Ren: I find that people love when I do crazy, bright looks on myself...these include aquamarine eyes and bright colors in general. However, I noticed that most clients like to stick to something a bit more basic...smokey eyes and nude lips are among the most popular.

Sarah: Tell me a little more about the individual inspired make-up looks that you perform on a daily basis...

Ren: I get a lot of requests to recreate looks that celebrities wear. Some of the most popular include Kim Kardashian, Kat Von D, and Jennifer Lopez.Sarah: What are some great beauty tips that you have, that are significantly important?

Ren: I think moisturizing is very important---both on skin and lips. It's important to have a smooth surface to work with, or else makeup will go on unevenly. It also helps to make sure you prep your skin with primers before hand. For example, if you have oily skin, it's good to apply a primer to the eyes like Urban Decay Primer Potion. This will help prevent your eyeshadow from creasing and it will keep the colors vibrant all day.

Sarah: What is the biggest beauty dont'? Ren: I think that a big no-no is bad eyebrows....I've seen McDonald arches or completely shaved eyebrows with uber-thin lines. I think eyebrows should find their natural arch. Take it easy with the tweezers and eyebrow pencils!

Sarah: Spring is here and Summer is near. Do you have any advice or tips for those individuals wearing make-up during the hottest season of the year?

Ren: I would suggest trying to go lighter on foundation. Hot weather tends to melt makeup and we want to avoid this. Tinted moisturizers and mineral powder foundations are great for the hotter seasons. If you want to stick with liquid foundation, try thinning it out with some liquid moisturizer for a lighter feel.

Sarah: In terms of eyeliner, if you had to choose between a pencil, liquid, or creme/gel based, which one would you choose? Why?

Ren: For beginners, I definitely suggest crème/gel based because it's the easiest. I personally love liquid eyeliner because you can't beat the precision. For my waterline I always use pencils.

Ren: Hmmm, both! I think they're great on their own or paired together. Growing up I always thought lipstick was for Moms and older women---I was so wrong! Now I've discovered that oftentimes lipstick is necessary to get the right color payoff on lips. You couldn't get the 50's girl pinup look without some nice red lipstick.

Sarah: Have you had a crazy or bad experience with make-up? If so, what happened? If no, have you had anything that has been even remotely extreme happen?

Ren: For some reason, 90% of my makeovers I've had have turned out badly! Unfortunately, a lot of makeup artists do not know how to deal with Asian features...particularly the eyes. One incident, I had a makeup artist put red eyeshadow all over my eyes...both top and bottom. No eyeliner or anything. And they put bright pink circles on my cheeks. I looked like an Asian baby doll!

Sarah: The question is, does it stop here? Tell me a little more about some of your goals...

Ren: It's actually only the beginning...I want to eventually turn this passion into an empire. After working in Corporate America I've realized that I want to be my own boss one day. Look out world...the Makeup By RenRen brand and empire is coming.

Sarah: What do your clients think of you, Ren? What are some individual testimonials?

Ren: I've noticed that my clients really like the individual attention I pay to them. Throughout makeovers, I do constant checks to make sure they like the progress...whether it's too light, too dark...if they want more or less. I might think something looks great, but it's the client who has the final say. Many have said that they've had makeovers where artists have slapped on some makeup, without the opportunity for feedback. In the end, they ended up hating it because they didn't have a chance to comment. I like to treat each and every person with the individual attention they deserve.

Sarah: For those reading this interview, what would you like those people to know?

Ren: That there is a whole world out there for them to explore....if you have a passion, go for it. My whole life changed once I decided to do what makes me happy...the same can go for anyone with a dream and a desire to pursue it.

Ren: Check out my website: http://www.makeupbyrenren.com for tutorials, product reviews, and contact information for services. Also check out my youtube page where I post all my makeup related videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/makeupbyrenren and make sure to subscribe!

Ren: For personal inquiries about services, beauty related questions, or if you are a cosmetics company interesting in having a product reviewed, feel free to contact me directly at: makeupbyren@yahoo.com

This interview was AWESOME!!!! I have been lurking around on this site for weeks now, and I finally got to read this! You are absoultely Fabulous!!! Thanks for the great tips and the time you have put into all of this! A'Tiffa

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About Me

Hi Guys, my name is Ren, a 30something Filipino-American residing in Atlanta, and obsessed with everything makeup. I'm a bonafide beauty blogger and freelance makeup artist. All information on this site is my opinion only...please feel free to try out recommended products at techniques at your discretion.

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